Daily Gospel Reflection for March 20, 2017 - Feast of St. Joseph

In today’s Gospel, St. Joseph doesn’t say a word. In fact, not a single word of his is recorded in any of the gospels. St. Joseph was the quintessential strong and silent type.

He didn’t talk much, but he got things done. When confronted by the crisis of Mary’s unexpected pregnancy, he contemplated a “quiet” divorce in order to spare her the shame of being denounced publicly. But St. Joseph waited for a sign of God’s will, and God sent an angel winging into Joseph’s dreams.

“Do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home,” the angel commanded. Joseph recognized the angel somehow. Perhaps the divine messenger’s eyes glowed with the fire of exploding stars, or his voice shimmered with cymbals. But Joseph knew and heard and obeyed.

The next morning, “when Joseph woke,” the Gospel tells us, “he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.” No hesitation, no doubt, no attachment to his own carefully contemplated plan. Joseph’s silence allowed him to discern and follow the will of God as soon as it was revealed.

About Author

Dr. Manuel Santos is a psychiatrist who has been helping couples over rough spots in their relationships for almost fifteen years. Dr. Santos also serves as a resource for the Marriage Tribunal of the Archdiocese of New York. Dr. Santos and his wife Karee are co-authors of The Four Keys to Everlasting Love: How Your Catholic Marriage Can Bring You Joy for a Lifetime.